The howl didn’t fade.
It lingered—low, deliberate, threading through the trees like a warning carved into the bones of the forest.
Emily felt it in her chest before she heard it again.
Closer this time.
Not a retreat.
A promise.
Bellamy’s hand was still over hers, steady against the mark that had yet to fully dim. The warmth from his touch grounded her—but it also did something far more dangerous.
It made the chaos feel… survivable.
And that terrified her.
“We don’t have time,” Lucas said, scanning the tree line. “If that Alpha marked her, he’s not waiting long to come back.”
Bellamy’s gaze didn’t leave Emily.
“I know.”
“Then we need to move her,” Lucas pressed. “Deeper into pack territory. Somewhere protected.”
Emily shook her head instantly.
“No.”
Both men looked at her.
